Bricklayers
Up to £43,088 /year
Bricklayers erect and repair brick, pre-cut stone and concrete block structures such as walls, paving, chimney stacks and tunnel lining.
Admissions
Entry Requirements
What You'll Need
- Grade 3 in Maths or English (the other must be a Grade 1 or 2 minimum)
- A genuine interest in bricklaying and working with your hands
- Successful interview with our team
The course includes Functional Skills in English and Maths, so you keep building those alongside the trade.
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What You'll Learn
Set It Out. Build It. For Real.
This course gets you building from the start. You’ll learn to set out and construct block walling, brick walling with a racked back corner, and cavity walling, all using hand tools, the same way it’s done on site. The practical work is backed by the theory that matters: health, safety and welfare in construction, technical information and quantities, and construction technology.
You’ll learn how craft activities are carried out safely and how they fit into the wider construction process, building the independent working skills employers want. By the end of the year you’ll have real bricklaying skills, the site knowledge to back them up, and a clear route to a Level 2 Bricklayer apprenticeship.
Core Knowledge
- Health, Safety and Welfare in Construction and Associated Industries
- Knowledge of Technical Information, Quantities and Communication with Others
- Knowledge of Construction Technology
Bricklaying Skills
- Setting Out for Basic Masonry Structures
- Construct Block Walling
- Construct Brick Walling
- Construct Cavity Walling
- Functional Skills (English and Maths) and Personal and Professional Development
How You're Assessed
Assessment Methods
Practical Assessment
Hands-on tasks and practical demonstrations in realistic working environments.
Exams
Formal examinations to test your knowledge and understanding under timed conditions.
Practical assessments and paper-based exams.
Career Destinations
Where This Course Takes You
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Life on the Course
See What It's Really Like
Our Facilities
Spacious, Well-Equipped Workshops
You'll train in dedicated construction workshops built for hands-on bricklaying, led by tutors who've worked in the trade.
Construction Workshops
Spacious, well-equipped spaces to set out and build for real.
Expert Tutors
Every session led by tutors with real bricklaying industry experience.
Links With Local Companies
Real experience on live projects, plus national competitions.
Real Workshops · Build For Real
Student Voice
“
I’ve gained loads of skills that’ll help me in life and in starting my career as a full-time painter and decorator. College has been a great experience—everyone’s treated equally, and the staff are really friendly and supportive. I’d definitely recommend it.
For Parents & Carers
Supporting Your Child's Journey
Real Career Prospects
These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for — locally and nationally.
See career optionsGCSE Support Built In
If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable — not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.
About student supportFinancial Support Available
Bursaries are available, and free meals are provided for those who qualify. If cost is a concern, there's help — and it's straightforward to apply.
Financial support infoA Friendly, Welcoming Place
Students are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming college is. It's a supportive community where they'll build genuine friendships and feel part of something.
About student lifeTutors With Real Experience
Our tutors bring real industry experience into the classroom. They teach what's actually used in the world of work, and students consistently say this is what makes the course work.
Qualifications That Count
These are nationally recognised qualifications with real academic weight. Your child will develop practical skills and knowledge that employers and universities genuinely value.
See the full unit listMental Health & Wellbeing
College is a big change. Our wellbeing team is here for every student — whether they need someone to talk to, help managing stress, or ongoing support. No referral needed.
Wellbeing supportLearning Support
If your child has additional learning needs, our support team works with them from day one. Adjustments are put in place early so they can get the most out of their course.
About learning supportSafeguarding & Welfare
Your child's safety is our priority. All staff are DBS-checked, our safeguarding team is available every day, and students always know who to go to if something isn't right.
Our safeguarding commitment For Careers Advisers
Quick Reference Guide
Level
Level 1
Duration
1 Year
Study Mode
Full-Time
Awarding Body
City & Guilds
Entry
Grade 3 in Maths or English (other at Grade 1-2 min)
Assessment
Practical Assessment + Exams
Ready to Build?
Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call free 0800 358 7575 or email dcinfocentre@don.ac.uk